I’m looking out the window. It’s mid-March and it’s snowing. Surely spring is coming, we are so eager for
its arrival. It’s interesting that we
humans try to wish some things into happening sooner, while wishing that other
events could be held off – as if we think we are in control of time
itself. The journey we are on as United
Methodists in Carlisle seems slow and laborious to some, while others want to
step on the brakes, for things are changing far too quickly.
Will we be ready for the spring and summer of our
journey? With spring right around the
corner and summer not far behind, I am looking forward to the birth of our Carlisle
United Methodist Church! In my 70-plus
years as a church-goer, I’ve never had the chance to help create a new
church. This is exciting! We seldom have a chance to create something
new, something born out of God-inspired moments, something so huge that only
God could manage all the people and parts and bring them together for God’s
Glory. As a participant from the start,
I can’t wait for us to be together. I’m
eager for us to worship, fellowship, serve, pray, and eat together.
Have you noticed what is already happening? Through the Prayer Chain, all three
congregations hear of an urgent need for prayer in our midst and prayers begin
to soar heavenward. When Pastor Jim’s
and Amy’s daughter was seriously injured, we joined hearts and hands in prayer
for Rebekah and her parents, as we do regularly for all those facing
difficulties. And God hears our many
voices as one.
I’m excited about the four pillars of our church
that are forming and rising around us:
WORSHIP, GROW, SERVE, and CONNECT.
The persons working in each of these areas have already laid the foundation
for carrying out God’s commandment to make new disciples. I’m excited about the many opportunities we
will have to serve, to show God’s love beyond the walls of the church building. The LAMs program, representing our Limited Activity
Members, is one part of the CONNECT pillar that is currently forming. Our combined churches already have more than
70 members who can’t attend worship services as they once did. Volunteer shepherds will ‘adopt’ the LAMs and
will help keep them connected to their church, while benefitting from hearing
their stories and sharing their memories.
Most important, we will all share our hopes and dreams for the future of
our church.
God planted the seed that started us on this journey
toward one United Methodist Church in Carlisle.
God watered the seed and caused the sun to shine on it. God alone can make it grow. But God needs us to tend it. We must continually nourish and till the soil. Our responsibility is to protect the seedling
church from weeds and harsh winds. As we
are faithful in our tasks, God’s church will grow and flourish.
So come on spring!
God, warm us with your Son. We
pray that we are ready to accept our tasks and to receive your blessing.
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